The forward for the textbook was written by IMF Chairman of the Board and Scientific Advisor Dr. Brian G.M. Durie. Written for hematologists, oncologists, and researchers, the book covers all aspects of myeloma ? the molecular and biological background, clinical aspects and investigations, and developments in therapy. The book is available through www.amazon.com

Bisphosphonates

Patients who receive infusions of Aredia® (pamidronate) should be aware that there are now alternative versions of this bisphosphonate on the market. One generic pamidronate is being distributed by Bedford Laboratories of Bedford, Ohio. Others may soon be on the market. The IMF encourages patients to be aware if you are receiving the brand-name Aredia® or a generic pamidronate.

In addition, as the IMF has previously reported, the FDA approved a new bisphosphonate, Zometa® (zoledronic acid), for the treatment of multiple myeloma. The drug was originally approved in August 2001 for the treatment of hypercalcemia of malignancy, a common metabolic complication associated with cancer. The safety and effectiveness of Zometa® was supported by three large international trials that included more than 3,000 subjects. Results demonstrated that Zometa® decreased skeletal complications of subjects with multiple myeloma or metastases from solid tumors.

IMF Scientific Advisors Drs. Robert Kyle and James Berenson concur that Zometa® provides a convenient alternative to pamidronate for the myeloma patient with skeletal disease. With an efficacy profile similar to that of Aredia®, Zometa®?s major advantage is its infusion time of 15 minutes rather than the 2 to 4 hours required for Aredia®. For more information on Zometa, please visit the product web site at www.zometa.com.

IMF Hotline Service Expands

The IMF is pleased to announce the recent addition of two new staffers to our team. The IMF Hotline coverage has been expanded with the recruitment of cancer information specialists Debbie Birns and Nancy Baxter.

Both Debbie and Nancy were trained as cancer information specialists by the National Cancer Institute-sponsored information line at UCLA?s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. They are available Monday through Friday to answer your questions about multiple myeloma treatments and side effects, supportive care issues, clinical trials, and resources available to myeloma patients and their families. You are also welcome to continue to submit your questions and concerns via e-mail at TheIMF@myeloma.org.

Did You Know?

The Neuropathy Support Group for Los Angeles meets monthly at the UCLA Medical Center. For more information, please call Cathy at (310)286-7442.

To obtain a free copy of the Pain Action Guide, please call the American Pain Foundation at (888) 615-PAIN or send an email to info@painfoundation.org.

Cancer patients dealing with insurance, job discrimination, and debt crisis issues can appeal for assistance to the Patient Advocate Foundation at (800) 532-5274 or visit www.patientadvocate.org.

Patients who cannot afford to pay for medications may qualify for the drug manufacturers' Indigent Programs. Your physician must apply on your behalf.

Dendreon Corporation has received orphan drug status from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the company's therapeutic vaccine for multiple myeloma, Mylovenge?. Orphan drug designation by the FDA is designed to encourage research and development of new therapies for diseases that affect fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. In receiving orphan drug status, the company is eligible for tax credits for related clinical development costs and assistance from the FDA to facilitate the regulatory review and approval process.

Gala Update

The IMF is pleased to announce that, for the third year in a row, the incomparable Robin Leach will serve as the Gala Master of Ceremonies and Guest Auctioneer.

Our wonderful Dinner Chairs, Carol and Benson Klein, are hard at work with the members of the Gala committees gathering auction items and packages. If you have any ideas or items you wish to contribute, contact Carol at (301) 469-7457 or carol@kbk.org.

Click here to find out more information about the IMF Gala 2002

If you wish to attend the Gala, please contact Suzanne Battaglia at (800) 452-2873 ext. 227 or SBattaglia@myeloma.org. For other ways of participating in the Gala event, please see the Gala flyer.

With your help, this is going to be the best event yet. We look forward to seeing you there!

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